Departments » Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

The Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS) is among the first nationwide to recognize the powerful relationship among the earth sciences and structure itself to provide a strong interdisciplinary focus.

This focus provides students with an appreciation for the complex interactions between the earth's physical and biological systems. NC State's geographic location enhances the interdisciplinary nature of the department.  In addition to the rich  variety of the piedmont region, our students have ready access to coastal (2 hour drive) and mountain (4 hour drive) environments, and their respective educational and research opportunities.

The Department has about 40 faculty, 120 graduate students and 230 undergraduates involved in basic and applied studies of meteorology, climatology, marine sciences, geology and hydrology. It has been recognized as one of the largest interdisciplinary environmental sciences departments in the nation.

MEAS' high level of sponsored research provides students and faculty opportunities for challenging research at the forefront of each of the department's subject areas.

The Department's Marine Science Program includes biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography. Students in Marine Science have access to marine, estuary and coastal education and research activities through the Center for Marine Science and Technology (CMAST), located on Bogue Sound in Morehead City, North Carolina. The Department and CMAST also provide experiences on marine research vessels off the Atlantic coast.

The Department's Earth Science Program includes paleontology - which partners with the North Carolina Museum of Natural History; geology - which involves work with the US Geological Survey and NC Geological Survey in state bedrock investigations and new lithotectonic mapping; and environmental and hydrogeology programs - which focus on ground and surface water interaction in rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal areas.

The Department's Atmospheric Science Program is the only comprehensive program in the Mid-Atlantic states, and includes one of the nation's best meteorology programs. Meteorology students have easy access to the North Carolina State Climate Office and the National Weather Service, which are all located in the same building on campus.  We also have one of the nation's pioneer air quality groups.

MEAS offers BA, BS, MS, and PhD degree programs in marine sciences, geology and meteorology.

Visit the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences website